MILAN, Italy — 12 February 2026 — Around 300 volunteers have been active since January nationwide for a drug-prevention awareness initiative, circulating information resources titled “The Truth About Drugs”. Organisers report that over 500,000 copies have already been handed out, with Milan leading the effort and other cities increasingly involved.
The European Office of the Church of Scientology is among those supporting the campaign in the context of its support for prevention and youth safeguarding work inspired by the work of L. Ron Hubbard. The booklets present straightforward information on substances, short- and long-term effects, and health risks.
The organisers further point to sports-community involvement. They say 100+ athletes associated with Milano Cortina 2026 have added their Drug Prevention names to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World Honorary Register, backing prevention messaging aimed at young people. In the organisers’ view, sport offers a credible setting for prevention messaging because it is associated with discipline, wellbeing and long-term performance.
Ivan Arjona, the Church of Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the UN, said: “Across Europe, youth safeguarding is both a public-health goal and a civic responsibility. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities push back against exploitation linked to drug markets.”
Full details: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.